Brad Giersch: Tributes pour in following death of NSW Fire and Rescue firefighter

A hero firefighter who was the first arriving station officer at the fatal Rozelle explosion and building collapse, and an NBL referee, has been remembered for his strength of character.

Hero firefighter Brad Giersch, who was the first arriving station officer at the deadly Rozelle explosion and building collapse in 2014, has been remembered for his strength of character, infectious smile and boundless energy.

Mr Giersch, who was also an accomplished NBL referee and father of three, died on Thursday after battling what was understood to be a work-related illness.

NSW Fire and Rescue Commissioner Jeremy Fewtrell said Mr Giersch was a highly respected firefighter and leader who was dedicated to serving his colleagues and the community.

He was one of the first on scene at the Rozelle explosion in September 2014 when shop owner Adeel Khan deliberately set fire to his store, leading to the death of Chris Noble and his neighbours, Bianka O’Brien and her 11-month-old son Jude.

Mr Giersch and his crew attended Ms O’Brien and Jude’s funeral.

“It was pretty sad. Very sad. It was a pretty heavy day,” he told The Daily Telegraph in 2020.

Brad Giersch has been remembered as a hero firefighter. Picture: Richard Dobson

Mr Fewtrell said Fire and Rescue NSW recognised his professionalism, courage and leadership during the tragedy, for which he also received a Commander’s Commendation from NSW Police Assistant Commissioner Mark Jenkins.

Mr Giersch, of Putney, was also praised for his contributions to the Fire Investigation Research Unit’s K-9 team, which left a “lasting impression” on critical fire investigations.

Taking a break with his colleagues.

Brad Giersch was an accomplished frontline worker.

“More than his skills and experience, Brad was known for his infectious smile and boundless energy, lifting spirits in the toughest moments,’’ Mr Fewtrell said.

“Even when crews were exhausted, he found a way to push forward. That same strength of character shone through in his own health battles, which he faced with unwavering resilience.

“Brad’s loss is deeply felt across our firefighting family. Our thoughts are with his wife, Louise, his loved ones, and all who had the privilege of calling him a friend, colleague, or mentor.’’

His daughter Tara said the fire service was always close to her father’s heart.

Brad Giersch on the job.

NSW Fire and Rescue NSW station officer Brad Giersch (right).

“We really appreciate everything you’ve done for Brad during this tough time,’’ she said.

“The fire brigade was Dad’s second family and he always spoke so highly of the entire team and the wonderful people he met throughout his career.’’

Away from the coalface of his job, Mr Giersch was also a respected NBL referee that was lauded for his commitment to mentoring young officials – in 2016 he officiated an under-12s match before overseeing the NBL final series.

He was inducted into the 2021 Basketball NSW hall of fame for being one of the “state’s best ever basketball referees” who officiated more than 400 matches including six NBL grand finals and 27 WNBL games.

Brad Giersch was respected as a basketball referee. Picture: John Appleyard

Olympic basketball referee James Boyer refereed seven NBL matches with Mr Giersch, including his first NBL match between Townsville Crocodiles and Illawarra Hawks in February 2014.

“My first game was his 350th game so that was nice,’’ Mr Boyer said.

“He had a massive impact on basketball for a number of years. He was very, very well respected in basketball.’’

He started taking up refereeing in Kilsyth, Victoria, as a 14-year-old to earn pocket money but excelled to the NBL in 1994.

Internationally he officiated the Albert Schweitzer Tournament in Germany, the 2008 and 2012 FIBA Olympic Qualifiers and the 2006 Commonwealth Games.

He called time out on his NBL career in 2018 but continued to work in the fire service at the City of Sydney station.

Mr Giersch is survived by his wife Louise and children Renee, Tara and Josh.

A Fire and Rescue NSW funeral with full honours is expected to be held at St Charles Borromeo Catholic Church at Ryde.